Deciduous Azalea luteum

Absolutely stunning and still one of the most popular highly scented yellow azaleas. Flowering in May this deciduous azalea has striking autumn yellow and orange leaf colour. A must for every garden and one of our favourites. A lovely old species that has become naturalized in parts of the British Isles and was very important in the development of the Ghent hybrids. Height 120-150cm in 10 years.

Some people still refer to this by its old name, Azalea pontica.

Please note that due to the stocky nature and slower growth rate of Azalea luteum, young plants will be nice and well branched but are smaller in size than more vigorous hybrid plants in the same pot size.

• Recommended for wonderful fragrance and autumn colour.
• Easy to grow.
• Ideal position: most garden situations, likes some sun.
• Habit: upright.
• Group: Deciduous Azalea.
• Subsection: Pentanthera.
• Introduction date: pre 1900 (1793)
• Species distribution: Caucasus, Turkey, SW Russia, Georgia, Ukraine.
• Approximate altitude: Sea-level to 2,200m.
• Ideal soil: pH 4.5 to 6.
• RHS Hardiness Rating: H7.
• How we usually propagate this plant: Seed.
• Awards: RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Customer Reviews

By P Thorpe on 18th September 2021

"Delighted to receive a very healthy looking plant which had been carefully transported. This was a gift for a Golden wedding anniversary and the recipients were equally pleased. Thank you"

By Patricia Corbett on 13th September 2021

"I am so pleased with my purchase, the azalea is very healthy and a good size, it was packed very securely and arrived promptly. I recommend this company and would be happy to purchase from them again. "

By Christine Butcher on 31st July 2021

"Ordering and delivery were fine and the plant seems healthy. However, unlike the other variety I bought at the same time, this plant did not flower this year. Let's hope for blooms next year."

By Agnes Macleay on 20th July 2021

"Plants were much larger than I expected & very healthy looking. Delivery was so quick I was not expecting this but worked well as 1 was a retirement present so was able to hand it over well before the actual event . Would totally recommend and use again. "

By Janet Walford on 15th July 2021

"Ordered the azalea luteum and was so pleased with it that I bought a second one! Big, healthy bushy plants, still in their pots waiting to be planted out in the autumn. Not cheap - but value for money considering what we got."

By Tracey sinclair on 9th July 2021

"First time buying from this nursery and will definately be back for more. Plant that arrived was much larger and bushier than I’d dared hope for! It was wrapped with care in environmentallly friendly packaging and communication from order to receipt was excellent. Price was amazing ???? gold star from me for all round brilliant product and service"

By LaurenceWood on 11th June 2021

"healthy plant which has taken well after planting and is showing good new growth "

By EileenSchofield on 10th June 2021

"The plant was delivered promptly and in excellent condition. It is healthy and had many flowers on the bush. Super in all respects. "

By KMann on 6th June 2021

"Arrived promptly, well packaged and in good health. Can’t wait till it flowers next year. "

By JanBartlett on 26th May 2021

"Beautiful plant in excellent condition and arrived very quickly "

By JeanShaw on 15th May 2021

"The deciduous azalea luteum arrived very well packed and is now looking very good in the blue ceramic pot. It will be a few more weeks before fully covered in leaf, as the weather here in Scotland can be slightly wintery even at this time of the year. "

By MavisBrewer on 14th May 2021

"Lovely bushy plant. It is coming into leaf."

By YacoobNakhuda on 11th May 2021

"Arrived neatly packed and delivered promptly. Most expensive plant i had ever bought but was I pleased with it - quite a good size and helpful advice over the phone. Hopefully will get years of joy out of this nicely flowering azalea."

By RichardGolding on 1st May 2021

"Very pleased with both rhododendrons and single azalea that I bought recently and the packaging is 1st class too."

By JerryThomas on 1st May 2021

"Very prompt service with well packaged product and it is blooming!"

By KateCogdell on 25th April 2021

"The azalea was a good size and was very healthy looking ,with leaf buds coming. It's been planted and is growing really well. Would recommend without hesitation "

By TerryMitchell on 21st April 2021

"Too early for flowers but condition of plant is superb"

By JohnYoung on 17th February 2021

"Very happy to receive a safely boxed Azaela luteum. A beautiful, healthy looking plant which I am looking forward to enjoying in the garden. Great service from Millais Nurseries. Thank you."

By PeterCliff on 18th January 2021

"Speedy delivery of well packaged and good sized plant which was itself in excellent condition and reasonably priced. Nothing more needs to be said. First rate. "

By Wilma on 15th January 2021

"Well-packaged and lovely healthy plant arrived in record time. Now safely planted out and am expectantly waiting for the flourishing of the lovely healthy buds. "

By MarkFudgeLandmarkGardenEstateServices on 17th December 2020

"Excellent service all around and an excellent Azalea well packaged and undamaged. I will definitely be ordering for my customers from this nursery in the future."

By DavidHall on 14th December 2020

"Plant is very healthy and doing well. The packing is excellent and was delivered very quickly. I will be ordering more in future with the certain knowledge that the product is of the highest quality. Many thanks."

By PatriciaBishop on 13th December 2020

"I saw this particular azalea mentioned on Gardeners World, I had been looking for a scented one for my husband's birthday present ever since we saw one while visiting a garden! It arrived very quickly, I placed the order Sunday and it arrived Wednesday. It looks very healthy and we are looking forward to seeing it in it's full glory in the spring! I would not hesitate to recommend purchasing from Millais!"

By JAHirson on 12th December 2020

"Arrived in lovely condition"

By AndrewYoung on 5th December 2020

"Sound, well-formed plant with good root structure."

By TrevorBailey on 3rd December 2020

"Excellent plant, and super service."

By StellaEllis on 24th November 2020

"Saw this plant advertised in Saturday paper gardening column and thought it go well in garden. Googled supplies and was delighted to find Millais Nursery was not too far from me. Bought the size I wanted online and when I arrived at the nursey down a tiny lane off the beaten track I was with a very cheery greeting and the plant was waiting for me. It is now planted in the garden and being deciduous has now dropped its lovely red leaves. Buds are visible so fingers crossed for a good show next year."

By AzaleaMayhew on 19th November 2020

"Very pleased with my namesake plant . Hopefully next year I can grow more ."

By Marion on 19th November 2020

"Beautiful plant arrived well packed and undamaged; good root system and every sign of being healthy, with well-developed flower buds. Obviously we won't know till next spring whether it flowers well - but we have every expectation that it will!"

By SimonDucie on 19th November 2020

"Excellent quality shrub, delivered in robust packaging "

By JaneBannan on 15th November 2020

"The plant arrived promptly, was well packed and arrived in good condition. Was planted the next day and seems fine. Lovely colour foliage. Look forward to next year!"

By Anne on 13th November 2020

"Very healthy looking plant, that continues to flourish. Excellent packaging, delivered within a few days"

By markgoodwin on 10th November 2020

"Fast efficient delivery, well packaged and plant in good health. Hopefully will grow into a nice plant. Can definitely recommend."

By JohnGatehouse on 1st November 2020

"Healthy looking plant, larger than expected and has established well after planting. Rather wish I had taken advantage of the offer of a discount on a purchase of 3 plants now!"

By AlanEvans on 28th October 2020

"I purchased some larger specimens of this (my favourite azalea) from Millaia a few weeks ago but wanted a larger area and bought several smaller plants. As ususal from this nursery the quality was just first class. I have bought a lot of plants from different suppliers in the last few months but this nursery has impressed me the most. Top quality plants and I could not recommend them more highly."

By KWilson on 21st October 2020

"I bought a dozen azaleas from Millais. All of the most excellent quality."

By AlanEvans on 8th October 2020

"Beautiful quality large well established plants. Packaged well. Top notch service. I have already ordered more from this nursery."

By ronniesmith on 30th September 2020

"Ordered over the phone, very polite staff. Plant delivered within a couple of days ,well packed . Healthy plant had new buds on it , all looks promising for the Spring."

By SusanFish on 30th September 2020

"This plant was bought as a gift. The recipient was absolutely delighted with the quality of the plant. I can highly recommend Millais Niursery"

By MandySteiert on 8th September 2020

"Great service, the plant arrived quickly and in good condition. I will definitely use the company again."

By DaleStewart on 12th August 2020

"Excellent plants. Great condition. Arrived within 36 hours of ordering"

By DoreenSteinberg on 6th August 2020

"I am delighted - I ordered this and it came within 2 days in perfect condition. I have been wanting one since I went to an open garden which had its high sides covered in this wonderful plant. The perfume was wonderful. "

By GwennythBeales on 20th July 2020

"Bought three azaleas. All arrived in perfect condition and beautifully packed. Would recommend without hesitation - in fact, have done and a friend has bought some too."

By janelloyd on 20th July 2020

"very good service, easy, prompt delivery and my azalea is doing very well now planted - just waiting for the second bloom which they are known for. :)"

By Wendy on 14th July 2020

"My 15 litre Deciduous Azalea luteum arrived in perfect condition, very thoughtfully packaged and carefully handled by the courier during transit. It's a beautiful specimen, well balanced and with an even, open structure which exceeded my expectations, based on the representative illustration. Many thanks to Millais Nurseries for the excellent service provided - I would not hesitate in returning to or recommending this grower in the future."

By LynneHarding on 13th July 2020

"I am delighted with the Azalea luteum I bought from Millais Nursery. It arrived in excellent condition, a beautiful healthy plant."

By Nicholas Poore on 11th July 2020

"An excellent plant. Very good shape and size and very healthy"

By J Sutcliffe on 6th July 2020

"Beautiful, healthy plant. Delivered quickly."

By J Sutcliffe on 6th July 2020

"Beautiful, healthy plant. Delivered quickly."

By Mo Ambridge on 3rd July 2020

"I am so pleased with my Azalea. It arrived in a protective box looking very healthy indeed. I’m looking forward to next year when I will see the lovely yellow perfumed flowers. Thank you all."

By Mo Ambridge on 3rd July 2020

"I am so pleased with my Azalea. It arrived in a protective box looking very healthy indeed. I’m looking forward to next year when I will see the lovely yellow perfumed flowers. Thank you all."

By Alison Duncan on 20th June 2020

"Very happy with the condition of my plant on delivery and after it was planted. Thank you. "

By Michaela Kingshott on 19th June 2020

"Purchased the Hyde Harlequin Azalea. Fabulous smooth service from start to finish. Very professional. Would highly recommend. The information leaflet given with each plant is all very informative. "

By John Austin on 18th June 2020

"Another excellent azalea. I bought this plant following an earlier very satisfactory purchase. As previously, a sturdy, well developed plant in very good condition. Well packed and delivered quickly and damage-free."

By Frances Ross on 17th June 2020

"Nice plant- good service"

By Dr Adrian Rogers on 15th June 2020

"Helpful advice, lovely plant well protected to travel to Devon and very healthy specimen- good size excellent value and now happy in its new home"

By josephine Munton on 14th June 2020

"the plant arrived well packed. It is a good size and already doing nicely and growing. Of course can't say if it will flower next year (hence 4 stars not 5), but it looks healthy."

By Kevin Birch on 13th June 2020

"An excellent plant. Delivered on time and in good condition."

By Barbie Antonis on 11th June 2020

"Very good plant. Thanks"

By Jana Kelly on 10th June 2020

"Amazing plant. Received in excellent condition. Very happy with the service. Our azalea is very healthy and beautiful.. Highly recommend Millais Nursery!"

By Alan Dennis on 3rd June 2020

"The six plants arrived by courier from Millais in reasonably good shape. We transferred them the same afternoon into beds already prepared and they have continued to flourish. They arrived with some flowers and these were maintained and have blossomed. The scent is intoxicating and was the reason we sought a supplier after talking to the head gardener at Hillsborough Castle where we first encountered them in all their glory. There they are long established and are magnificent. Unfortunately this year because of Corona virus the gardens are closed and so we have been unable to return to take in that heady scent of the well established plants "

By Philip Bayfield on 2nd June 2020

"I have to be honest I was a little disappointed when I first took the plant out of the packaging but I re-potted it in the ericaceous compost and watered it with special ericaceous liquid in the water and it has responded wonderfully well. After 3 weeks it is making a fine plant. Very pleased."

By Robert Felton on 1st June 2020

"Lovely quality and very well packaged and delivered"

By arthur Jones on 31st May 2020

"Excellent plant in very good condition and well packed will buy again from Millais "

By John Cursley on 29th May 2020

"The azalea was delivered in perfect condition and my sister said it was a beautiful specimen and with buds just opening. She was delighted and said the scent from it was marvellous. It was a birthday present from me to her, so thank you all at your end for choosing a good plant and for excellent packaging."

By Susan on 29th May 2020

"Plant arrived healthy and robust and is adapting nicely. Would order agin."

By David Jones on 27th May 2020

"Super plant, well packed and delivered quickly. You can’t ask for more! I’ll be back as my garden project progresses"

By Judi Rumble on 26th May 2020

"Lovely plant which arrived very quickly. Sadly a late sharp frost caught it (and all my other rhododendrons too) but I can see lots of new shoots beginning to emerge and I am sure it will give me a lot of pleasure in years to come."

By Karen on 26th May 2020

"Bought an Azalea luteum - it came very quickly, much quicker than predicted when I ordered. Very well packaged - a lovely healthy plant. Would definitely order from Millais Nursery again. "

By Brian on 23rd May 2020

"Arrived promptly - just as described, has flourished since planting out"

By Kathy Turner on 23rd May 2020

"Very pleased with the service, the plant was delivered much sooner than advised.This was great as the plant was in flower on delivery so we have been able to enjoy it in the garden for the last couple of weeks. It is a very healthy looking plant & the scent from the flowers is fabulous. Highly recommend Millais Nurseries & luteum azalea, great choice for colour & fragrance. "

By Derek Hayes on 23rd May 2020

"An excellent service all round. Strong, healthy plant 60cm +, supplied in bud, packed securely, delivered quickly and safely. Brilliant comms.Many Thanks!"

By Phil Richards on 22nd May 2020

"Arrived in good condition and potted now growing at a good rate"

By Theresa Baldacchino on 21st May 2020

"Really pleased how it arrived very well packed to stop any damage.very pleased at quality of plant also."

By Adrian Cross on 20th May 2020

"Excellent "

By Tony Hart on 19th May 2020

"Really nice plant, well packaged and with a prompt delivery service."

By Karma Dawa on 18th May 2020

"Again excellent customer service and strong healthy plants delivered when stated "

By Mary Tatner on 17th May 2020

"Excellent product. Strong healthy plants, very carefully packaged and delivered promptly. "

By John on 16th May 2020

"Lovely plant. Arrived in excellent condition. Gratefully received by my son for his garden."

By Wendy Dewey on 14th May 2020

"We bought two of these recently and they are really lovely specimens. The scent in the evening is absolutely stunning, which is just what we wanted. "

By Nigel Payne on 13th May 2020

"Excellent service for providing me with lovely difficult to come by scented azalia, would definitely recommend these very courteous and helpful nurseries."

By Jackie Goodwin on 12th May 2020

"Delivered within a few days. Good, strong plant. "

By Diana Hogg on 9th May 2020

"A well packaged and strong, healthy plant. Very happy with everything delivered. Can thoroughly recommend Millais and their plants. Can't ask for more, they exceeded my expectations. Thank you. "

By Angela on 8th May 2020

"Well packaged and lovely healthy plant "

By PeterFD on 30th April 2020

"What a fantastic plant. Received in perfect condition and just ready to burst into sweet scented bloom. Thanks guys"

By Patricia on 29th April 2020

"This plant arrived in superb condition. It was prompt and incredibly well packed. Once opened, the size and condition of the plant exceeded my expectations. Well done Millais! I will definitely use them again."

By Jane Stokes on 8th April 2020

"Very pleased with azalea. It was larger than I'd expected and has plenty of flower buds now"

By David Roberts on 6th April 2020

"Arrived in good condition and am full of expectancy of that glorious scent to come. "

By Richard Peter on 28th March 2020

"Beautiful shrub, fine shape and condition. I shall order from Millais again."

By Christine on 25th March 2020

"I ordered 5 plants and they arrived promptly and well packed. The plants were robust and healthy and now planted are doing very well. I am very pleased with my order. Will use again."

By Valerie on 25th February 2020

"Plant arrived well package, prompt delivery and good quality plant"

By Roy Nolder on 11th December 2019

"Sturdy, open and well-budded plant, well packed, quick and careful delivery. Taller than expected (after warning) which is good."

By Vimla Frachisse on 1st October 2019

"I am extremely happy with my purchase. The plant was pretty big and in great form. I arrived beautifully packaged with zero damage ! Can't wait for it to be in bloom."

By Frank Stratford on 3rd September 2019

"Have used Millais in the past with excellent service and results. Hope this one will turn out as well. Looking forward to next spring."

By John Crossley on 3rd September 2019

"Superb plant and packaging."

By Mrs L Martina on 30th July 2019

"Great service ,plant was well packed and in great condition."

By Mrs L Martina on 24th July 2019

"Cannot praise this plant enough. Was well packed ,prompt delivery and was outstandingly strong and vigorous. Have been looking for this particular Azalea for a long time. Thank you. "

By R Clifforde on 11th July 2019

"Both plants were good specimens, they arrived in good condition and had been packaged well. Both are thriving."

By Sue alaway- on 9th July 2019

"Excellent plants and service!"

By Elizabeth Cargill on 5th July 2019

"Very good service and a very healthy plant arrived."

By Eric Taylor on 2nd July 2019

"Wanted this Azalea for a long time delighted with healthy plant, beautifully packaged and fast delivery. Thank you"

By Bryan Roberts on 22nd June 2019

"The Azalea arrived in very good condition. It was well packaged, was free from damage and had been well handled by the carrier. It is now thriving in its new patio container. Extremely pleased. "

By David Andrew on 20th June 2019

"Very good sized plant in excellent condition on arrival."

By Julia on 17th June 2019

"Lovely, healthy plant. Prompt delivery. "

By susanne gillessen on 8th June 2019

"Deciduous Azalea luteum - lovely specimen, packed well and arrived with a flower still in tact. Shrub proceeded to bloom and looks healthy and well. Quick ordering, fast delivery and no problems. Have used Millais several times and will continue to buy from them."

By Chris Moody on 7th June 2019

"Excellent services, would definitely use this supplier again. Plants arrived in good condition."

By Clive Gordon on 4th June 2019

"I have moved the excellent plant to a larger container and it has established very well. Two clusters of yellow flowers among good new growth to be followed, hopefully, by fine autumn colours! Thankyou."

By Peter Nightingale on 31st May 2019

"After my initial reservation and by contacting the nursery for advice I am delighted to report that the Azalea is flurishing and is growing into a very healthy plant. Thank you to the nursery man for contacting me so quickly to alay my concerns and for the help and service I recieved."

By Robert Tonge on 19th May 2019

"The plants arrived promptly, safely and in good order. They were planted after a very short period of time, in a group of three. They have developed well and are thriving."

By Jane Green on 11th May 2019

"Excellent service. Plant came beautifully boxed and very fresh. Planted according to comprehensive instructions and it appears to be thriving. "

By carlawithers07@waitrose.com on 1st April 2019

"Very happy with plants delivered, well packed and healthy - now planted and thriving. Will be placing more orders in future."

By Isabel Winstanley on 6th December 2018

"The Azalea luteum you sent me was well packaged and arrived in excellent condition. It is a healthy well-balanced plant with buds on every branch. I planted it that same day and look forward to it’s fragrant flowers for years to come."

By Liz on 18th October 2018

"Excellent plant, excellent service, excellent growing advice"

Good to know

From a botanical point of view, deciduous azaleas are part of the rhododendron family, but typically they only have 5-7 stamens in the flowers instead of 11-13 stamens present in other rhododendrons. They make a dazzling display, particularly in yellows, oranges and reds, but can also be very subtle in shades of pink and white. They are tough and fast growing plants typically reaching 125-150cm in 10 years. Our selection ranges from the discreet small flowered species and Ghent varieties, to the bold large flowering Knaphill and Exbury types. Many have the added value of a good scent in spring, and fiery autumn colours before leaf fall. Our newest introductions greatly extend the season into late June and July.

Deciduous azaleas have a stronger root system and will tolerate poorer conditions and a slightly higher pH than other rhododendrons. They can be grown in soils up to pH 6.5 when plenty of ericaceous compost is added. They prefer light dappled shade, but can also be grown in sun or more shade. In sun, the plants will be bushier and lower, with more flowers, but these will not last so long. In shade, the plants will be taller, with fewer flowers, but these will last longer.

All require good moist ericaceous soil with a high organic content. For a guide to plant spacing, use the height we give in 10 years as a guide to the distance between each plant, or approximately 1 plant per 1.5m². Plant no deeper than the top of the rootball, and dig in plenty of good ericaceous compost around the sides.  A teaspoon of slow release feed is sufficient for a 3 litre plant, rising to a small handful for a mature plant.  They are tough plants, and tolerate growing in containers, where their flowers, scent and autumn colours can be appreciated. Re-pot every 3 years for best performance.

Please note: Plants supplied in winter months can look quite bare and stick-like, and may be pruned back to encourage more branching. This is normal, and they will soon fill out in the spring.

For further advice, For further advice, see here

The Basics

Ideal soil

Acidic soil, good organic content, pH 4.5-6.0. Inkarho range of rhododendrons will tolerate soils up to pH7.5

Sun or Shade

Light dappled shade is best for most varieties.

Shelter

Refer to hardiness rating. Give young plants protection.

Site Selection

Avoid close to trees, roots, invasive weeds, walls, hot patios, dry banks and waterlogged soils. Do not use weed matting or stone mulch.

Plant spacing

Use the height shown in 10 years as a guide to the distance between each plant. Allow room for plant to fill out. If planting closer for instant impact, be prepared to move plants after a few years.

Compost

• 3 litre pot, dig in 10-20 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 7.5 litre pot, dig in 20-30 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 70-80cm specimen, dig in 60 litres of ericaceous compost.
• 100-120cm specimen, dig in 120 litres of ericaceous compost.

Planting depth

Plant high in the ground, with the top of the rootball visible.

Feeding

Slow-release ericaceous feed recommended in March and straight after flowering.

Mulch

Recommended every few years.

Water

The key ingredient! Keep moist all season, especially the critical time at end of June for flower bud initiation. Tap water is better than no water. Heavy dose at least once per week in dry weather.

Drainage

Ensure good drainage in winter, especially with yellow flowering varieties. Avoid waterlogged sites.

Pruning

Rhododendrons and Camellias: Not normally required. Tidy wayward shoots after flowering.

Evergreen azaleas and Bloombux can be clipped into a low hedge.

Magnolias and Acers: Formative pruning when young to shape into a tree or bush.

Deadheading

Remove old flower-heads, particularly on young or weak plants.

For further advice see here

Size Guide

Delivery & Returns

Our website calculates the delivery charge according to weight and delivery location throughout the UK. To see these charges, please enter your postcode at the checkout, and you will see the charge vary as you add more items to your wheelbarrow.

Please see here for delivery information

Please see here for cancellation and return information